Juan Mata announced as the J-League side Vissel Kobe's new signing
Juan Mata signs for J-League club Vissel Kobe in Japan as he follows in Spanish compatriot Andres Iniesta’s footsteps… as former Spain midfielder announces ‘I’m here!’
- Juan Mata, 35, announced his move to the Japanese J-League side Vissel Kobe
- He follows in compatriot Andres Iniesta’s footsteps with move to J-League side
- Mata joins the club after an illustrious career at Chelsea and Manchester United
Juan Mata has joined Japanese club Vissel Kobe on a free transfer after winning the title with Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray last season.
The 35-year-old World Cup-winning midfielder was announced on X, formerly Twitter, as the club’s new signing. He will wear number 64 on his shirt for the Japanese side.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United star took to social media to express his excitement on joining the club.
‘I’m here!’ He penned.
‘New beginnings! Thanks for the incredible welcome, Japan! I’m here! I’ve always been a big admirer if this country and its culture, and it’s time to enjoy it here in Kobe. Grateful to everyone that made it possible. I will try my best to try to win another league title, we are in the race!
The former Chelsea and Manchester United star expressed his excitement on joining the club
The 35-year-old World Cup-winning midfielder was announced on X, formerly Twitter, as the club’s new signing. He will wear the number 64 on his new shirt for the Japanese side
Long-serving Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata announced he was leaving in 2022
Chelsea’s Fernando Torres (right) and Juan Mata (left) pose with the Champions League and Europa League trophy from 2012 and 2013 as they celebrated with the west London club
‘Thank you football for allowing me to live such amazing life experiences!
Mata joins the Japanese top-flight club in a bid to win the league, as they currently sit at the top of the table.
The midfielder received tempting offers from Saudi Arabia and Dubai, but decided to embrace the J-League and explore life in Japan while aiming for fresh titles.
His fellow former international teammate, Andres Iniesta made the same move in 2018, spending five years at the J-League side.
Iniesta made over 130 appearances for Vissel Kobe and scored 26 goals.
He then moved to the Emirates club in the UAE on a free transfer, who are currently ranked 11th in the Arabian Gulf League.
Another compatriot, David Villa, also enjoyed a year in Japan in 2019.
The midfielder received tempting offers from Saudi Arabia and Dubai , but decided to embrace the J-League and explore life in Japan while aiming for fresh titles towards the end of his career
Mata began his senior career at Real Madrid in 2006, and went on to join the Premier League in 2011 after a three-year stint at Chelsea, before transferring to Manchester United.
With Chelsea, he helped the team win the Champions League and FA Cup in 2012, as well as the Europa League a year later.
After moving to Manchester United, he joined Louis Van Gaal’s side for a record fee of £37.1million.
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